Participants
As a participant in the World Youth Assembly for Road Safety, you will be one of hundreds of delegates from many countries. Most of the delegates will be young people active in road safety in their countries and communities. Some will represent Member State governments and others NGOs. Present as observers will be road safety experts, representatives of Permanent Missions in Geneva, students, UN and NGO staff, representatives of the media and others. The format for the event will model that of a meeting of the UN General Assembly or a World Health Assembly. The following clarifies the respective roles of various participants:
Member State youth delegates
These delegates are officially nominated by their governments as their representatives. Member State youth delegates have the right to fully engage in all debates and discussions and vote on adoption of the "Youth Declaration for Road Safety". They may also submit an application to serve as chair, presenter or rapporteur. The nomination of Member State youth delegates must be confirmed to WHO in an official letter from the national focal person tasked with organizing the Week. In the absence of a formally appointed national focal person, the nomination must be confirmed to WHO in an official letter by a representative of a government ministry. The criteria for their selection follows:
- Aged 18-25 years
- Articulate, fluent in at least one United Nations language
- Personal interest or connection to the issue of road safety as member of an organization which advocates for and/or supports projects related to road safety at national or community level; victim or family of victim of a road traffic crash; junior government representative; professional and/or student in health, transport, law, journalism, education, driver training, police or related fields
- Strong commitment to conduct future road safety activities
It is important to note that the World Youth Assembly for Road Safety is not an official meeting of Member States. The youth delegates appointed by their governments will not be in a position to commit their government to any action.
NGO youth delegates
These delegates are nominated by their organizations as representatives of the organization. Most meet the criteria for Member State youth delegates. They will be able to fully engage in all debates and discussions, although will not have the right to vote on adoption of the "Youth Declaration for Road Safety".
Observers
Observers include road safety researchers, practitioners and advocates; representatives of Permanent Missions in Geneva; students from local schools and universities; UN and NGO staff, representatives of the media, etc. Their role is important in terms of legitimizing the process, sharing outcomes with others, and supporting immediate follow up to the event.